Thistle Chapel

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Best Hotels with Kitchen Near Thistle Chapel

Tucked inside St Giles' Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel is one of Edinburgh's hidden gems. This exquisite Gothic chapel, built in 1911, serves as the spiritual home of Scotland's Order of the Thistle. Marvel at the intricate woodcarvings - each stall bears a unique knight's crest, while sunlight filters through vibrant stained glass. Don't miss the mischievous elf sculpture hidden beneath the seats, said to be the craftsman's playful signature. Join a guided tour to uncover its ties with the Scottish monarchy, where whispers of history echo under the vaulted ceiling.

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#HotelStarsRatingReviewsDistance
1RÌGH Properties - Luxury West End Artisan Apartment★★★★4.9-1.48 km
2Holyrood House★★★★4.2-1.14 km
3My Edinburgh Life★★★★4.8-1.84 km
4Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill★★★★4.6-0.64 km
5Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)★★★★3.9221.65 km
6Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)★★★★4241.41 km
7Joivy Old Town 1-Bed Apartment with Stunning Views★★★★4.3-0.39 km
8Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)★★★★3.691.68 km
9Joivy Converted Flat in Historic Building in New Town★★★★3.5-0.98 km
10Castle Masion★★★★--0.79 km
11Stay Edinburgh City Apartments - Royal Mile★★★★--0.12 km
RÌGH Properties - Luxury West End Artisan Apartment

RÌGH Properties - Luxury West End Artisan Apartment

4.9 / 5Outstanding
38 William Street
1.48KM from Thistle Chapel
Ironing ServiceLuggage StorageKitchenLaundry Service
per night
From
USD**3
Holyrood House

Holyrood House

4.2 / 5Good
8 Abbeyhill Crescent
1.14KM from Thistle Chapel
Children's Play AreaDryerPicnic AreaBarHikingMini Golf
per night
From
USD**7
My Edinburgh Life

My Edinburgh Life

4.8 / 5Outstanding
13/14 Rosebery Crescent
1.84KM from Thistle Chapel
Dry Cleaning ServiceKitchenLaundry ServiceParking
per night
From
USD**8
Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill

Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill

4.6 / 5Great
Calton Hill Apartment 1
0.64KM from Thistle Chapel
Kitchen
per night
From
USD**3
Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)

Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)

3.9 / 522 Reviews
2-5 Amphion Ln
1.65KM from Thistle Chapel
DryerHikingLuggage StorageKitchenLaundry ServiceGolf Course
per night
From
USD**6
Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)

Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)

4 / 5Good24 Reviews
Brae House, 31 Abbeyhill
1.41KM from Thistle Chapel
DryerHikingLuggage StorageKitchenLaundry Service
per night
From
USD**9
Joivy Old Town 1-Bed Apartment with Stunning Views

Joivy Old Town 1-Bed Apartment with Stunning Views

4.3 / 5Good
29 Jeffrey Street, Flat 4F3
0.39KM from Thistle Chapel
Kitchen
per night
From
USD**3
Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)

Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)

3.6 / 59 Reviews
8 Middlefield
1.68KM from Thistle Chapel
DryerHikingGame RoomLuggage StorageKitchenMedical Room
per night
From
USD**3
Joivy Converted Flat in Historic Building in New Town

Joivy Converted Flat in Historic Building in New Town

3.5 / 5
Northumberland Street
0.98KM from Thistle Chapel
Kitchen
per night
From
USD**0
Castle Masion

Castle Masion

27 Castle Terrace
0.79KM from Thistle Chapel
Newly OpenedNon-smoking floorIroning ServiceLuggage StorageKitchenLaundry Service
per night
From
USD**3
Stay Edinburgh City Apartments - Royal Mile

Stay Edinburgh City Apartments - Royal Mile

CREST OF EDINBURGH, 217 High street, The Royal Mile
0.12KM from Thistle Chapel
BarCafeNon-smoking floorWashing MachineDry Cleaning ServiceLuggage Storage
per night
From
USD**9

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Thistle Chapel

The Witchery by the Castle offers lavish Gothic suites just 5 minutes walk away, famous for its antique four-poster beds. For luxury, The Balmoral Hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant and Rocco Forte spa. Budget options include Ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre with quirky designs.

Yes! St Giles' Cathedral (where the chapel is located) offers 45-minute guided tours (£8/person) covering the chapel's heraldic carvings and secret drawer mechanisms. Private tours can be booked for knightly history enthusiasts, including access to rare archives.

The chapel boasts a stellar-vaulted ceiling adorned with 68 carved angels playing medieval instruments. Each rib converges at a central golden thistle, symbolizing Scotland's highest chivalric order. Photography is allowed but no flash to preserve the gilded details.

While no strict dress code, smart casual is recommended (no beachwear). During Order of the Thistle ceremonies (June/July), public access may be restricted. Check the St Giles' Cathedral website for special event notices.

Regular Sunday services at 11:00 AM are open to all. The chapel also hosts Evensong on Thursdays with its famous acoustics. Note: Photography is prohibited during services. The annual Thistle Service (July) requires advance ticket registration.

Within 5 minutes' walk: Edinburgh Castle (iconic views), The Real Mary King's Close (underground history), and National Museum of Scotland. Don't miss the Heart of Midlothian mosaic outside St Giles' – locals spit on it for luck!

Traveler Reviews

See what other travelers say about Thistle Chapel

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Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill

This apartment is absolutely fantastic—perfect for travelers looking for a quiet retreat with great charm. The private garden at the back is a real highlight: peaceful, well-maintained, and ideal for morning coffee or an evening unwind. Inside, the space is spotless, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches. Communication with the host was quick and friendly—any request was handled promptly, which made the whole experience seamless. It's located just steps away from Waterloo Place, where most tourist buses depart, so getting around Edinburgh is super convenient. While the direct route up from Leith Street is quite steep, the walk via Waterloo Place is much gentler and more pleasant. Overall, this is a top-tier stay with excellent value. Highly recommended for anyone wanting comfort, convenience, and a touch of local character.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)

Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)

This little gem in Holyrood is surprisingly well-equipped for a student hostel. The moment you step into your room, make sure to grab any essentials you need—like the small packets of salt and pepper provided for cooking. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, and a spacious fridge, though the oven and stovetop were a bit tricky to figure out. Still, with just a microwave and kettle, I managed to heat up pre-cooked meals and cook fresh veggies—everything looked so much better than expected on the plate, and it made the meal extra satisfying. There’s also a self-service laundry facility where you can pick up detergent from reception (I brought my own, so didn’t use it—no idea if there’s a fee). Perfect for longer stays—you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Plus, the front desk can arrange a taxi to the station, which made my journey stress-free. Overall, this place delivers great value and comfort, especially for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.

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HG*3‍2‍0‍5‍2‍2‍*‍*‍*‍*

Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)

I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.

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InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Honestly, just one word: amazing! From the moment I walked in, everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations. The breakfast was outstanding—plenty of variety and delicious quality, with staff who were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I stayed in room 44, a unique loft-style layout that felt quirky and cool—definitely not your average hotel room. Despite being split-level, it was incredibly quiet, making for a peaceful night’s sleep. I loved the bathroom amenities—they used my favorite brand, Baudruche, and the scent alone made me feel pampered. Granted, the room size isn’t huge compared to some mainland hotels, but considering I was staying in a beautifully preserved historic building right in the heart of Edinburgh, it felt like a real privilege. The location is fantastic—walkable to major sights and super convenient for public transit. Everything about this stay screamed quality and charm. If I ever come back to Edinburgh, this will be my first choice again. A truly unforgettable experience.

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Kimpton Charlotte Square

From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality at Kimpton Charlotte Square made our stay in Edinburgh truly special. A huge shoutout to Brian from the concierge team—he was absolutely outstanding! Not only does he speak seven languages fluently, but his knowledge of local spots and genuine kindness made every interaction a pleasure. Whether it was recommending hidden gems or helping with last-minute travel plans, he went above and beyond with a smile. His professionalism and personal touch turned what could’ve been just another hotel stay into an unforgettable experience. The staff’s attention to detail, combined with the charming atmosphere of the hotel, made this place feel like home. I’d highly recommend this gem to any traveler looking for warmth, style, and exceptional service—truly a standout in Edinburgh.

HG*2‍0‍0‍2‍6‍9‍*‍*‍*‍*
HG*2‍0‍0‍2‍6‍9‍*‍*‍*‍*

The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

Staying at The Caledonian Edinburgh was an absolute highlight of our trip. Located right at the intersection of Princes Street and Lothian Street, it sits perfectly between Old Town and New Town—just a short walk from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, with views of the fortress from the front door. The hotel itself is a historic building with rich heritage, once visited by legends like Arthur Conan Doyle, which made it extra special for us as devoted Sherlock Holmes fans. The breakfast was a classic English spread, but what stood out most was the waffle served with honey straight from a whole, fresh honeycomb—such a unique and memorable touch. There’s also a beautiful garden restaurant in the atrium, though we were pressed for time and didn’t get to experience it. Still, the atmosphere alone adds so much charm. From the location to the details, every element felt thoughtfully curated. A truly exceptional stay that exceeded expectations.

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HG*1‍8‍6‍0‍6‍8‍8‍*‍*‍*‍*

Prestonfield House

Staying at Prestonfield House felt like stepping into a classic British country estate—seriously elegant and full of charm. The property is nestled in a private grounds, giving it a peaceful, secluded vibe that’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. While the location is a bit off the beaten path, it's easily accessible by train or car, and the surrounding countryside adds to the overall experience. The architecture and interiors are incredibly photogenic—every corner looks like a scene from a period drama. The only minor downside is some noticeable sound transfer between floors, so quiet moments might be interrupted occasionally. But honestly, the ambiance, privacy, and unique character more than make up for it. A truly memorable stay with high value for money.

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The Balmoral Hotel

Staying at The Balmoral Hotel was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the location was perfect—just a five-minute walk to Calton Hill, and everything else in the Old Town, Rainbow Street, and Royal Mile was within easy reach. The hotel itself feels like a living piece of history, with elegant architecture and timeless charm. I couldn’t help but stop by room 552—the door painted a striking purple, which added such a unique touch. It’s said that J.K. Rowling found inspiration here while writing the final book in the Harry Potter series, and it’s easy to imagine why. The views from the windows are breathtaking, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. If you’re looking for a blend of luxury, history, and convenience in Edinburgh, this is the place to be. Highly recommended.

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HG*M‍2‍5‍7‍8‍4‍8‍*‍*‍*‍*

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa

My stay at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh was absolutely outstanding. I booked a Club Level room with a view of Edinburgh Castle—waking up to that iconic skyline was breathtaking, especially during sunrise. The hotel has a side entrance just steps away from the castle gates, making access incredibly convenient. Whether you're heading to Princes Street, Calton Hill, or exploring the Old Town, everything is within easy walking distance—no need for taxis or buses. The service truly stood out. Staff were genuinely warm and attentive, going above and beyond to make me feel welcome. In all my travels across Europe, this is hands down the best hospitality experience I've had at a hotel. As a Club Level guest, I had access to the exclusive lounge, where breakfast and evening canapés were served—both well-prepared and satisfying. Coffee was available throughout the day, perfect for early risers or late-night relaxations. The spa facilities are impressive too; while some premium treatments require an extra fee, the sauna, steam rooms, and wellness areas are thoughtfully designed and create a peaceful retreat. The room itself was comfortable and clean, with a spacious bathroom. It’s not the largest room, but it’s well-proportioned and functional. One minor downside? No balcony—but honestly, that didn’t detract from the overall experience. The fitness centre is large and well-equipped, with a good selection of machines and a lovely pool area. Just wish the closing time could be extended a little later into the evening. Overall, this hotel delivers on every front—location, views, service, amenities, and atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh. I’ll definitely come back here next time.

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HG*_‍M‍1‍3‍5‍8‍6‍8‍4‍*‍*‍*‍*

The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection

Staying at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the city. What truly stood out was the outdoor terrace—overlooking the heart of Edinburgh’s skyline with stunning views that made every morning and evening feel special. The service was exceptional too—staff went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful. This hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and charm, and it’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a memorable, high-quality stay.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Barony House 5 Star Boutique BK Direct

Staying at Barony House felt like coming home—warm, welcoming, and full of heart. The location is perfect: quiet and peaceful just outside the city center, yet only a short walk from buses and all major attractions. Free parking nearby is a huge plus. The rooms are absolutely enchanting—each one feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home, with elegant details and cozy charm. The breakfast is unforgettable—ordered the night before and freshly prepared in the morning using top-quality local ingredients. It’s hands-down the best breakfast I’ve had in the UK. Susan and Paul go above and beyond to make every guest feel special. Their passion for hospitality is genuine and tangible. Whether it’s a small request or a personal need, they anticipate it before you even ask. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a family experience. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning my return. If you’re looking for authenticity, comfort, and heartfelt service, this is it.